Lycée Viticole
Les Teurons Beaune 1er Cru Pinot Noir
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
My first encounter with this producer and from my research, it's owned by the wine school in Beaune. The school runs a full-fledged domaine so students can learn hands-on in the winery and vineyards. Wine sales from the domaine also keeps the school independent, without relying on any grants. In total, the school operates an impressive 23+ hectares of vineyards, across 20 different appellations. My guess is that the hectarage is a combination of ownership, metayage, and fermage. For instance, the Beaune Les Teurons here is composed of two parcels owned by the French State and the city of Beaune, but farmed by the school.
This was the only wine during lunch that wasn't blinded, so it formed an interesting baseline for blinding the 17' Chevillon Les Vaucrains. The nose was so different - more red-fruited and spicy, with a rather candied edge. The palate was friendlier in some sense - juicy and soft, yet all underpinned by bright acidity. The perception of acidity was certainly more here than in the Chevillon, which is perhaps heightened by the less muscular density. Tannins present themselves in the finish, but more integrated and satiny than the Chevillon (more fine powder). Doesn't quite match the length of the Chevillon, but still moderately long with earthy, almost-mineral notes dominating. Overall, enjoyable and educational, but brings less interest to the table than the Chevillon.
My first encounter with this producer and from my research, it's owned by the wine school in Beaune. The school runs a full-fledged domaine so students can learn hands-on in the winery and vineyards. Wine sales from the domaine also keeps the school independent, without relying on any grants. In total, the school operates an impressive 23+ hectares of vineyards, across 20 different appellations. My guess is that the hectarage is a combination of ownership, metayage, and fermage. For instance, the Beaune Les Teurons here is composed of two parcels owned by the French State and the city of Beaune, but farmed by the school.
This was the only wine during lunch that wasn't blinded, so it formed an interesting baseline for blinding the 17' Chevillon Les Vaucrains. The nose was so different - more red-fruited and spicy, with a rather candied edge. The palate was friendlier in some sense - juicy and soft, yet all underpinned by bright acidity. The perception of acidity was certainly more here than in the Chevillon, which is perhaps heightened by the less muscular density. Tannins present themselves in the finish, but more integrated and satiny than the Chevillon (more fine powder). Doesn't quite match the length of the Chevillon, but still moderately long with earthy, almost-mineral notes dominating. Overall, enjoyable and educational, but brings less interest to the table than the Chevillon.